Exactly 2 weeks following Jeff Parker’s resignation, Claremont has hired a new city manager. The city council announced Wednesday night with a unanimous decision that Tony Ramos would be promoted from his current role as assistant city manager. He will begin as city manager in late December.

“I am committed to this community and the public administration profession,” Mr. Ramos said. “I pledge to all of you with every bit of my being that I will continue to work tirelessly with commitment and with the passion I have had for this city for the past 6 years.”

Mr. Ramos was first hired as Claremont’s assistant city manager in February 2006. He brought with him 25 years of experience working in local government, previously serving as the city of Walnut’s assistant city manager starting in 1991.

City council praised Mr. Ramos’ leadership in Claremont, particularly in bringing in new businesses like Super King Market and Loving Hut, as well as helping the city move forward with the revitalization of Pepper Tree Square.

“To have someone who knows economic development and can work in that type of environment is the type of city manager that I think we need. That’s what Tony represents,” said Mayor Sam Pedroza. “We believe in a succession plan and we saw that in Tony in being the next city manager.”

City hall overflowed with members of the Claremont community. Of the 24 people that came forward to speak at Wednesday night’s meeting, 20 echoed city council’s unwavering support.

“He is the perfect hire,” said Claremont resident Maurice Flora. “He has done well, he knows the staff. He is a good candidate and you don’t have to spend all that money searching for another. He is ready to be city manager.”

Only 2 voiced concerns with Mr. Ramos’ recent personal bankruptcy filings, a financial move that Mr. Ramos’ expressed as “one of the most difficult decisions of my life.”

“I recognize that being a public servant makes my situation a bit different, but I assure you that my personal finances have not and will not affect my performance in the workplace and for the community of Claremont,” Mr. Ramos said.  “[Filing personal bankruptcy was a very, very difficult decision for me to make, but having to go through this experience, I have learned from it as well, and is something I do not take lightly.”

According to the approved 3-year contract, Mr. Ramos will make a yearly income of $198,000. He will also receive an additional $1000 a month in deferred compensation plus an extra $1194 monthly to be used for medical benefits. Fifty percent of the medical benefits that remain unused will be placed in Mr. Ramos’ deferred compensation plan. Mr. Ramos’ total for salary and benefits is $224,328 annually, up from his current salary of $176,806 as assistant city manager.

He will contribute his 8 percent Public Employment Retirement System (PERS) contribution and will receive cost of living adjustments similar to other employee groups. Mr. Ramos will also receive a vehicle with maintenance and insurance covered by the city.

—Beth Hartnett